Page 150 - THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE

The Red Badge of Courage

He had been possessed of much fear of his friend, for
he saw how easily questionings could make holes in his
feelings. Lately, he had assured himself that the altered
comrade would not tantalize him with a persistent

curiousity, but he felt certain that during the first period of
leisure his friend would ask him to relate his adventures of
the previous day.
He now rejoiced in the possession of a small weapon
with which he could prostrate his comrade at the first signs
of a cross-examination. He was master. It would now be
he who could laugh and shoot the shafts of derision.
The friend had, in a weak hour, spoken with sobs of his
own death. He had delivered a melancholy oration
previous to his funeral, and had doubtless in the packet of
letters, presented various keepsakes to relatives. But he had
not died, and thus he had delivered himself into the hands
of the youth.
The latter felt immensely superior to his friend, but he
inclined to condescension. He adopted toward him an air
of patronizing good humor.
His self-pride was now entirely restored. In the shade
of its flourishing growth he stood with braced and self-
confident legs, and since nothing could now be discovered
he did not shrink from an encounter with the eyes of

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